Wiring Switch to Outlet Circuits

Wiring switch to outlet circuits is one way of wiring configurations. This increases convenience and usefulness of the outlets because the outlets can be installed in such a manner that it can be controlled by the switch or be operated independently. Wiring switch to outlet circuits is not a complicated job. This does not demand too much time and can be done by almost anyone.

Wiring Switch to Outlet

• Turn off the electrical source on the circuit where the work will be done. Make sure that you do this before wiring the outlet and installing it. Utilize an electrical tester to determine if the circuit is turned on, if it is, turn off the circuit. Do this 2 times. Afterward, start wiring switch to outlets circuits.
• Find the outlet which will function as the power supply. Carefully remove the electrical box to avoid cutting off the wire at the outlet. Thread wires from this outlet to the new outlet and switch.
• Find the area where the switch and the outlet will be added. Cut holes on that wall then install the electrical box.
• Run the nonmetallic cable wires (there are 2 of them) from the existing power source to the electrical box of the new outlet. This can be done by threading the fish tape from the new box to the outlet. Then, attach one cable’s end to the fish tape’s end. Afterward, start pulling it back together toward the position of the outlet. Give an allowance of around 8 inches of wire for each end.
• Make sure to attach the black wire from the outlet up to the new outlet. There would be 4 screws on the outlet which are 2 silver and 2 brasses.
• Attach the neutral wire (the wire that is colored in white), to the silver crew on the new outlet.
• Start threading the wire from the switch to the new outlet. Make sure to mark the white wire using electrical tape. This is important to give a reminder that it is a hot wire being controlled by the switch. Connect the marked white wires and black wire to separate the bass screws on the switch.
• Connect all the black wires to create a wire pigtail. Get a small piece of black wire then attach it to the other end of the outlet. Then combine it with the black wire and power supply wire that would lead to the switch.
• Now, attach the previously marked white wire to the empty brass on the new outlet. On the silver screw, attach the wire that is coming from the existing outlet to the new outlet.
• To have a split receptacle, detach the small brass tab that is linking the two receptacles on the new outlet.
• Finally, attach the outlets then switch the electrical boxes.